Universal
Studios Florida – Production Central:
Classic Monsters Cafe

What:
Buffet restaurantWhere: Across from TwisterPrice Range: $ - $$

Those glamorous ghouls of our collective black-and white subconscious take center stage in an eatery filled with souvenirs from zany sci-fi movies like Abbott and Costello Go To Mars and chillers like Frankenstein, The Mummy, and Dracula. The Creature from the Black Lagoon even floats in a big tank in the “Swamp Dining” room. Amazingly enough, they have resisted the seemingly irresistible temptation to use terms like Monster Meals, FrankenFries, and Mummy’s Pasta on the menu.

Chief on the menu are wood-fired pizzas, which come in cheese, pepperoni, and BBQ chicken. Rotisserie chicken platters, with or without ribs, and Italian sausage with peppers and onion are also offered. Draft beer is available in addition to the usual assortment of soft drinks and desserts.

Outside, a kiosk dubbed Bone Chillin' Beverages serves up harder stuff, including mixed drinks and slushies. There's nothing stopping you from bringing these more potent potables inside to enjoy with your meal. The food is served "buffeteria" style in Frankenstein's laboratory, which makes you wonder if eye of newt is among the condiments. You can take your pick of several dining areas — Space, Crypt, Swamp, and Mansion Dining — each with a different theme and all packed with life-sized statues, props, and photographs. Universal Studios' early success was fueled by its inventive horror movies, and this gleefully ghastly gastronomic goulash is a fitting celebration of that bygone era..